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One of the biggest surprises at this year’s Geneva Motor Show has been the unveiling of Volkswagen’s new fifth-generation Polo. Clearly inspired by the shape of the soon-to-be-released Golf VI, this good-looking hatchback is just what VW needs to compete against the latest offerings from Ford, Mazda and Peugeot. After all, the current fourth-generation Polo is now frightfully long-in-the-tooth. With its aggressive Scirocco-like grille, the latest model is built on a new platform that’s 36mm longer and 32mm wider than before. As a result there’s a lot more leg and shoulder room for larger, lankier passengers and a considerably bigger boot. Interior build quality has also been improved and the dashboard now features a special “slush” insert that, being soft-to-the-touch, imparts a much more premium feel to the new clutter-free cabin. MP3 compatibility is standard across the range and VW’s renowned RNS 310 Sat-Nav/Multi-Media Interface will be available as an option in the top-of-the-range Highline model.

For the time being seven engines will be available in the new Polo range, comprising of four petrol and three diesel derivatives. Standout powerplants include the 1.2 TSI that delivers a meager 5.5l/100km and a 1.6TDI BlueMotion that manages an incredible 3.8l/100km. What’s even more impressive is this latter engine’s paltry CO2 emissions: VW claims a figure of 96 g/km. A tar-ripping GTI version has been planned for the future but in the meantime we’ll just have to make do with the aforementioned 77kw 1.2 TSI that, besides returning remarkably economy, should provide just enough straight-line urge to keep us happy in the interim.

Production of the new Polo will begin at South Africa’s Uitenhage plant in July, with the first deliveries expected some time in October. Let the small-car battle begin…

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Comments

 

Thrifty

March 4, 2009 at 12:32 pm

I do like this Polo, what a change they have made from the last one, just hoping that the price tag isn’t to outrageous when it comes out

 

T Royce

March 5, 2009 at 2:16 pm

If only they did not used the same grill with the golf 6 I could have said pashasha move for VW.
Overall die kar is maar ****!!!!

 

Thabiso

March 6, 2009 at 10:09 am

What a car, e ya katsula(“Its great/top/nice”). I am goin to place my order.

 

roger moshapo

March 12, 2009 at 9:21 am

honesly ,it would be a pleasure driving this baby ….
it definately looks different from its predeccesor ….

But Im bit a concerned, what would the price tag be ……….

 

spunky

March 16, 2009 at 1:56 pm

i love this car… went to check out the new fiesta and i was really dissapointed.. the interior looks extremely cheap… so i’d rather wait and stick to VW and their polo range

 

Mpho

March 24, 2009 at 8:33 am

atleast now i got a reason, not to buy a car now

 

Thomas Falkiner

March 24, 2009 at 10:30 am

Guys – this Polo looks like a real winner, however, I think it’ll be a lot more expensive than the current model and Ford’s new Fiesta…

 

Lebo

April 6, 2009 at 10:09 am

I still prefer the new ford fiesta!

 

Thomas Falkiner

April 6, 2009 at 12:09 pm

The proof of the pudding will be in the driving. The last couple of Fiestas have out handled the Polo, so it’ll be interesting to see how the new one shapes up.

 

spunky

April 6, 2009 at 12:14 pm

i just think that the new fiesta is way too over-priced for its actual worth.. i would rather save if i have to for the new polo..

 

Thomas Falkiner

April 6, 2009 at 3:06 pm

The new Polo, looking back at VW’s previous pricing scheme, will probably cost even more than the new Fiesta. Having tested the Ford I can safely say that it’s worth every cent: it’s well specced, well made and really good fun to drive.

 

Hector

April 14, 2009 at 11:18 am

new polo looks nice, hope the price won’t be Rediculas

 

spunky

April 14, 2009 at 11:38 am

i think that the only dissapointment will be the price but then again im sure that it will probably be worth it.

 

jason

April 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm

this new polo looks nice in the front but the back and the starring wheel is from the old golf can’t they even think of something new ???

 

Palesa

April 29, 2009 at 2:43 pm

Guys I bet you. Im finishing my degree this year and this will be MY FIRST CAR. Come December. Le tla bona….he!!!

 

Lebo

April 29, 2009 at 2:50 pm

Not suprised…It’s for new comers anyways!

 

Thomas Falkiner

April 29, 2009 at 4:09 pm

If the new Golf VI is anything to go by then this Polo should be a cracker…

 

Palesa

April 29, 2009 at 4:10 pm

No need to be NASTY. The problem is you cant afford it even if you tried. So please dont be nasty. Just let us

 

Thabo

May 5, 2009 at 9:23 pm

The ford Fiesta will not win.

 

Amani

October 19, 2009 at 2:10 pm

Hey thomas im driving ibiza 1.4 with sunroof n was thinking of selling it next year.ive seen the new vw polo n it is so beautiful how much does it costs.

 

Thomas Falkiner

October 19, 2009 at 3:06 pm

Hi Amani. Yeah, the new Polo a is real looker isn’t it? Unfortunately it’s still to be released here in South Africa so I can’t give you an official price. Expect it to be about 10% more than the current generation. Hope this helps. Regards, Thomas

 

Amani

October 19, 2009 at 3:32 pm

Thank alot will try 2 b patient

 

mkay

October 29, 2009 at 1:38 pm

how much does it cost

 

mkay

October 29, 2009 at 1:46 pm

PLEASE GUYS HOW MUCH IS IT GONNA COST… SOMEBODY TELL ME

 

Thomas Falkiner

October 29, 2009 at 1:54 pm

Mkay – I’m not too sure what the new Polo will be priced at, but you can expect it to be at least 10% more than the current model.

 

Mohammed Shuaib

January 19, 2010 at 12:12 pm

I really do like the polo its very nyc. i hope Vw makes the price reasonable to suit our pockets. and also they should consider throwing some extras as a sunroof etc….

 

Astro EM'M

January 29, 2010 at 9:00 am

God bless me to drive New Polo on the comming few months

 

Stefan

May 24, 2011 at 11:38 pm

I read a rumor about a new version on its way. Do you know if there are any truth to this?

 

Thomas Falkiner

May 25, 2011 at 10:04 am

Yes. The new Polo has been out since last year…

 

Mike

December 22, 2011 at 12:15 am

Anyone else looking forward to the 2012 Polo? The leaks has caused my imagination to spiral atleast…



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